Activities

Coffman Cove and the surrounding area offer many things to do other than hunt and fish. While not a jaw dropping experience, you can visit the site of the Coffman Cove Community Archaeology Project located near the dock in Coffman Cove. On another archaeology note, explorers can drive to the El Capitan Cave where black bear bones have been recovered dating back to the late Pleistocene epoch. Tours of the cave can be arranged by calling 907-836-3004. Reservations are made with the Thorne Bay Ranger District and are only offered in the summer months.

What are you interested in?

Fishing

Coffman Cove is the place to be for a wide variety of fishing opportunities.  The ocean fishing is amazing as well as the fresh water fishing in the various creeks and lakes in the area. In Coffman Cove you can purchase an out-of-state or in-state fishing license at the Riggin’ Shack or you can visit alaska.gov, and purchase it online.

Fish & Game Reports

When should we come to fish?

Here is a list of the best times to visit Coffman Cove depending on what type of fishing you plan on doing while visiting. For a great overview of the fishing on Prince of Wales Island please refer to alaska.gov.

Make sure to be aware and up to date on local fishing regulations.

Fishing Guides

There are multiple fishing guides in the area that offer self guided trips to full service guided trips. More information on guide services may be found at http://ccalaska.com/, where you can download the City of Coffman Cove brochure, which provides a listing of guides and services and how they can be reached. . A canoe is available at Kevin’s cabin for no charge. We just ask that you use sound judgment before you decide to tackle the water. The weather can change in a moment’s notice and if you are inexperienced, you may be in for more than you bargained for.

Charters

For a one of a kind charter for Halibut and Salmon, check out Wetherbee’s.

Forest Service Cabins

There are two United States Forest Service cabins in the area that offer primitive lodging for a small fee. Both cabins would provide opportunities for interesting side trips during your stay at Kevin’s Cabins. Sweetwater Lake Cabin is located a few miles from Coffman that is accessible by foot, boat or float plane. Barnes Lake Cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. Both are very remote.  These are very primitive cabins so you have to be prepared. The only amenities are wood cook stove, bunk beds and a dry place to stay. Both cabins are situated right on the lakes and offer spectacular views. Wood is not provided by the Forest Service so wood will have to be gathered by the adventurer. Bring a chainsaw if you have one.

I have personally stayed in both cabins as a young adult. In the summer months, fishing is good, and exploring the shore line is a must. Bring a good book. Winter camping at the cabins is an adventure. Sweetwater Lake will freeze affording you long walks across the lake. Wolves can be heard howling at night and their music will travel over the ice. We used to sit out by the fire and listen to the wolves for hours on end with a warm drink by the fire.

Hunting

The Sitka Black Tail Deer season is from August 1st– January 1st each year. More information on hunting and hunting permits is available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Lakes

There are numerous lakes in the area that are fun to fish and explore. The most notable are Luck Lake,  and Sweetwater Lake. Both lakes offer an opportunity to catch salmon and trout. Luck Creek is a smaller feeder creek into Luck Lake which offers Cutthroat, Rainbow, and some Dolly Varden. Luck Creek is a small creek which varies in width depending on the time of your trip. Luck Lake empties into Eagle Creek, a top destination for Steelhead Trout.

Luck Lake is located approximately 7 Miles south of Coffman Cove. There is a boat launch, plenty of parking and offers an overnight parking area. This is a primitive spot, no water or electricity is available.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Honker Divide

A challenging route for experienced canoeist, the Honker Divide involves logjams, portaging, rapids, and the Thorne River Falls. The area is very remote with lots of wildlife such as bears, eagles, swans, and salmon.  There are various potential campsites along the route as well as access to a Forest Service Cabin. For more detailed information visit the GORP site.

Hiking

Hiking on the Island can be amazing, it is a rainforest afterall. SeaTrails is a great resource to learn more about the trails and hiking available around Coffman Cove: SeaTrails